Sumatriptan

How to use

Sumatriptan should be taken only when you are experiencing a migraine headache. Take one pill orally and with a full glass of water. Do not take this medication twice within 2 hours and do not take more than 200 mg per 24 hours. Take only as directed by your physician.

Overdose

Symptoms of a Sumatriptan overdose may include:

• Tremors
• Shaking
• Redness of skin
• Difficulty breathing
• Blue colored lips or fingernails
• Vision problems or watery eyes or mouth
• Weakness
• Lack of coordination
• Seizure

If you experience any of these symptoms or think you may have overdosed, seek immediate medical attention and contact your local poison control center.

Missed Dose

Sumatriptan should only be taken when needed if you are suffering from a migraine. You should not take this medication on a regular basis. Never increase your dosage or go against the specific instructions of your doctor.

Notes

Sumatriptan does not prevent migraine headaches, it only alleviates painful symptoms. Taking more of this medication than directed can increase the symptoms and frequency of migraine headaches.

Sumatriptan is most popular in tablet form, and is taken when you are experiencing a migraine headache. If you have frequent and severe headaches, you should discuss the use of this medication with your doctor first, as you may have a dangerous medical condition. Only take this medication if you already have a headache, not as a preventative measure. 

Do not share this medication with others as they may have a condition that is not adequately treated with Sumatriptan.

Storage

Store Sumatriptan at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that taking this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

Precautions

Before taking Sumatriptan, you should discuss your medical history with your doctor. Especially mention:

• Any allergies
• Heart diseases (e.g. chest pain or heart attack)
• Decreased blood flow in the brain (e.g. stroke, transient ischemic attack)
• Blood circulation disease (e.g. ischemic bowel disease)
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine)
• Liver diseases
• Certain blood circulation disorders (e.g. Raynaud's disease)
• Seizures
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure (controlled)
• High cholesterol
• Overweight
• Smoker
• If you are a female after menopause
• If you are a male over age 40

If you have any of the above, you may not be able to take Sumatriptan or you may need a dosage adjustment.

Sumatriptan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are sure you can perform these activities safely.

It is recommended that elderly people do not use this medication, as the risk of heart disease, liver disease and high blood pressure increases with age. Elderly people may therefore be more sensitive to the side effects of Sumatriptan, such as an increase in blood pressure.

Sumatriptan is classed as Pregnancy Category C, which means it could potentially harm an unborn baby. It is not recommended to use this medication during pregnancy. Discuss the options with your doctor before taking this medication, if you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment.

Sumatriptan is excreted into breast milk and it may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication before speaking to your doctor if you are currently breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Before taking Sumatriptan, you should discuss all other medication you are currently using with your doctor, including:

• Almotriptan (Axert)
• Eletriptan (Relpax)
• Frovatriptan (Frova)
• Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
• Naratriptan (Amerge)
• Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
• Methysergide (Sansert)
• Ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine)
• Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray)
• Ergonovine (Ergotrate) methylergonovine (Methergine)
• Oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• Rasagiline (Azilect)
• Selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam)
• Phenelzine (Nardil) in citalopram (Celexa)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor)

This is only a partial list and there may be other medicines that interact with Sumatriptan. Inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription medication you are currently using, including vitamins, dietary supplements, herbal pills and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop taking any medication without discussing this with your physician.

The following common side effects of Sumatriptan may occur:

• Flushing
• Sensations of tingling, numbness, prickling or heat
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness

If any of these common side effects persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Commonly, you may experience tightness of the chest, jaw or neck shortly after starting treatment with Sumatriptan. This is usually not a sign of a serious condition, however you may not be able to tell the difference between this common side effect and symptoms of a lack of blood flow to the heart, brain or other parts of the body. To be on the safe side, you should contact your doctor if you experience anything like this.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects:

• Chest pain
• Pain in the jaw or left arm
• Fainting
• Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat
• Changes in vision
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Sudden or severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Bloody diarrhea

Also inform your doctor straightaway if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• Blue fingers, toes or nails
• Cold sensation of hands or feet
• Changes in hearing
• Mental or mood changes
• Seizures

In rare cases, Sumatriptan may cause a very serious condition called Serotonin Syndrome. This risk increases if you mix this medication with others, such as:

• Triptans used to treat migraine headaches (e.g. Sumatriptan, Eletriptan)
• Certain antidepressants including other SSRIs (e.g. Fluoxetine, Paroxetine)
• SNRIs (e.g. Vnlafaxine)
• Lthium
• Tamadol
• Typtophan
• A certain medication to treat obesity (Sibutramine)

Before taking Sumatriptan, inform your doctor if you are also taking any of the above medications. Seek emergency medical help if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Hallucinations
• Restlessness
• Loss of coordination
• Fast heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Unexplained fever
• Severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Twitchy muscles

You are unlikely to suffer an allergic reaction to Sumatriptan, but if it does occur, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is only a partial list and other side effects may occur. Inform your doctor straightaway if you experience any other side effects than the ones mentioned above. Especially if they are bothersome.